RE: Mercedes SLK230 Kompressor | Shed of the Week
Discussion
Kawasicki said:
I actually like the E30/Z3 rear suspension. It has lift off oversteer, and (obviously) power on understeer, and it always does this consistently, so you just drive using these characteristics. It has a sort of throttle-position controlled rear steer... which is fun, but only if you are aware that it’s happening.
I remember the E30 M3 getting pretty good handling reviews albeit 30 years agoThe E21 had an even more exaggerated behaviour on liftoff/power than the E30 - iirc the arm angle was 21 degrees rather than 15. I had the 2.3i in E21 flavour and the 2.5 in an E30
900T-R said:
That's the thing - back then it got lobbed in with the Boxster and Chimaera because it's a small two-seat roadster that is similarly priced to those two, but it's quite obviously something very different - in fact, a non-rusty example would complement either of them perfectly as a daily snotter for those who a) don't need more than two seats for any of their cars and b) like to drive al fresco. I know I've been tempted once or twice...
Go on, bite the bullet, what can you loose ! I've had a few and they are lovely. Main thing to check is bodywork . Pop out the sidelights and have a good look at the wing mounting area with a bright torch, check boot o/s corners and cill areas (easier on a pre facelift or non AMG bodykit) Front wings are easy to remove for rust treatment, then use a good spray grease into all nooks and crannies and seams. Make sure that the drain tubes are clear regularly, check auto gearbox oil when hot using a dipstick. Enjoy cheap reliable open air motoring without the dreaded depreciation. Remember in this new world its greener than an electric or hybrid !!!Kawasicki said:
I actually like the E30/Z3 rear suspension. It has lift off oversteer, and (obviously) power on understeer, and it always does this consistently, so you just drive using these characteristics. It has a sort of throttle-position controlled rear steer... which is fun, but only if you are aware that it’s happening.
Yes it could be fun, and you had to know the car to be able to safely driving it hard in a way that you just don't with a more sophisticated rear setup. I also think it was less than ideal in a BMW convertible that many (most?) buyers wanted to just mince around in because it could very much catch you out on bad surfaces and higher speeds. I found that it's shortcomings became far more serious with the 228bhp and pretty torquey 3 litre engine - more power than any E30 M3 but the Sport Evo and significantly more torque but with much squishier suspension to allow for lots of camber changes in a car often bought by poseurs rather than skilled drivers.I assume the Z3M significantly stiffened the rear end up to stop the suspension moving around so much or it was a massive handful. Possibly both.
gvij said:
I prefer the Z6 myself...
These old slks are a design classic. Great to look at possibly not to drive. The mk1 TT 225 is a far nicer overall car and just as cheap.
SLK's are perfectly acceptable drives. The problem is too many are disillusioned about their driving skills & imagined perceptions of how a car drives. In the real world on the UK's congested pot-holed roads nobody needs an ultra-fast car that can corner better than anything else or be first away at the lights, except as a pose. These old slks are a design classic. Great to look at possibly not to drive. The mk1 TT 225 is a far nicer overall car and just as cheap.
SLK's are NOT repeat after me NOT sports cars but well built tourers with the secure option of a folding metal roof. In an A to B situation you're unlikely to arrive no quicker than a supposed 'proper' sports car whatever the badge or engine size.
stickleback123 said:
Kawasicki said:
I actually like the E30/Z3 rear suspension. It has lift off oversteer, and (obviously) power on understeer, and it always does this consistently, so you just drive using these characteristics. It has a sort of throttle-position controlled rear steer... which is fun, but only if you are aware that it’s happening.
Yes it could be fun, and you had to know the car to be able to safely driving it hard in a way that you just don't with a more sophisticated rear setup. I also think it was less than ideal in a BMW convertible that many (most?) buyers wanted to just mince around in because it could very much catch you out on bad surfaces and higher speeds. I found that it's shortcomings became far more serious with the 228bhp and pretty torquey 3 litre engine - more power than any E30 M3 but the Sport Evo and significantly more torque but with much squishier suspension to allow for lots of camber changes in a car often bought by poseurs rather than skilled drivers.I assume the Z3M significantly stiffened the rear end up to stop the suspension moving around so much or it was a massive handful. Possibly both.
https://youtu.be/6q5SVHpN_CU
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